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To make brown sugar glazed carrots, you need: - 1 pound baby carrots (or sliced regular carrots) - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 cup vegetable broth - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) If you don’t have baby carrots, use sliced regular carrots. You can also swap unsalted butter for olive oil. If you want a different sweet taste, use maple syrup instead of brown sugar. For a twist, try adding honey instead of sugar. When buying carrots, look for bright orange color. They should feel firm and smooth. Avoid carrots that are limp or have dark spots. If you can, choose organic carrots for better flavor and health benefits. Fresh carrots should have green tops, but if they are cut off, that’s okay too. Always check the size; smaller carrots are often sweeter. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your carrots. If you have regular carrots, peel and slice them. Make sure all pieces are even. This helps them cook evenly. If you picked baby carrots, skip this step. They are ready to go! Next, take a large skillet and put it on medium heat. Add three tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt slowly. Once melted, stir in one-fourth cup of brown sugar. Mix it well. You want the sugar to melt and feel syrupy. This should take about one to two minutes. Now, it’s time to add the carrots. Pour them into the skillet with the butter and sugar mix. Then, add one-fourth cup of vegetable broth. This adds flavor and helps the carrots cook. Stir everything together until the carrots are well coated in the glaze. Cover the skillet and lower the heat to medium-low. Cook for about ten to fifteen minutes. Stir occasionally, until the carrots are soft and the glaze thickens. Once done, add salt and pepper to taste. If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. Enjoy your tasty side! To get that shiny glaze, you need to melt the butter and brown sugar well. Stir them together until smooth. This step gives a great base for the flavor. Don’t rush it; let it bubble a bit. When you add the broth, it helps the glaze stick to the carrots. Cover the pan during cooking. This traps steam and helps the carrots cook evenly. You can add some extra flavors to make your dish pop. Try adding a splash of orange juice for brightness. A bit of ginger can add a nice kick too. If you like heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper works well. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can bring freshness. Just sprinkle them on before serving for a burst of flavor. One big mistake is overcooking the carrots. They should be tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on them as they cook. Also, adding too much salt can overpower the sweetness. Start with a little and taste as you go. Lastly, don’t skip the garnish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes the dish look nice and adds a fresh taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Carrots: Fresh, crisp carrots will yield the best flavor and texture. Look for carrots that are firm and vibrant in color. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preferences. You can add more for a sweeter glaze or less for a more savory dish. Add a Splash of Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice just before serving can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing twist to the dish. Garnish for Color: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall presentation. Don't skip this finishing touch! {{image_2}} You can swap brown sugar for honey. This change adds a floral taste. Just use the same amount of honey as brown sugar. Melt the butter and stir in the honey. Cook the carrots as usual. The result is sweet and sticky. Honey glazed carrots shine on any plate. For a kick, add some heat! Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. This spice boosts the flavor profile. The sweet and spicy blend creates a unique dish. Serve these spicy carrots for a twist! Adding nuts and dried fruits makes this side special. Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Dried cranberries or raisins add sweetness. Mix these in during the cooking process. They will soak up the glaze and add more flavor. These add-ins make your carrots even more delicious! To store leftover brown sugar glazed carrots, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain their sweet flavor and tender texture. When you’re ready to eat, reheating is easy. Place the carrots in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep them moist. Heat for about five minutes, stirring gently. You can also use the microwave. Heat the carrots in a bowl for one to two minutes, checking often. You can freeze these glazed carrots for later use. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat as described. Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just peel and slice them into even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Baby carrots save time, but regular ones work just as well. They will soak up the glaze and taste great. If you don't have brown sugar, you can use white sugar. To mimic brown sugar's flavor, mix white sugar with a bit of molasses. For every cup of white sugar, add one tablespoon of molasses. This gives a similar taste and color to your dish. To make this dish vegan, simply swap the butter for a plant-based butter. This keeps the creamy texture while making it suitable for a vegan diet. You can also use vegetable broth, as the recipe already calls for it. Enjoy your tasty carrots without dairy! This blog post shared the full process for making brown sugar glazed carrots. We covered ingredient lists, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to achieve a perfect glaze and avoid common mistakes. Don’t forget to explore the tasty variations, like honey or spicy carrots. Proper storage extends the life of your leftovers, making your dish last longer. Use this guide to impress your family and friends with a simple, delicious side. Enjoy cooking!

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

A delicious side dish of tender carrots glazed with brown sugar and spices.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound baby carrots (or sliced regular carrots)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 quarter cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 quarter teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 quarter cup vegetable broth
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Carrots: If using regular carrots, peel and slice them into evenly sized pieces. If using baby carrots, no additional prep is needed.
  • Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
  • Add Brown Sugar: Stir in the brown sugar, allowing it to melt and create a syrup-like consistency, approximately 1-2 minutes.
  • Incorporate Spices: Add the cinnamon and nutmeg to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring to combine.
  • Add Carrots and Broth: Add the carrots to the skillet, then pour in the vegetable broth. Mix well to coat the carrots in the glaze.
  • Cook the Carrots: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender and the glaze has thickened.
  • Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Fresh parsley can be used for garnish if desired.
Keyword brown sugar, carrots, glazed